Phase separation across membranes and condensates in cell organization and function.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Phase separation drives cellular organization into dense and dilute phases.
• This process forms membrane domains (rafts) and liquid-like biomolecular condensates.
• Understanding these interactions is key to cellular function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interplay between biomolecular condensates and membrane lipid domains.
• To examine phase separation in both 3D cellular interior and 2D membrane interfaces.
• To highlight the crucial role of these coupled interactions in cellular organization and fitness.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on phase separation in cellular organization.
• Analysis of examples from cell signaling, tight-junction assembly, and stress responses.
• Examination of membrane influence on condensate formation and condensate modulation of membrane properties.

Main Results:

• Membranes act as platforms influencing condensate formation and function.
• Condensates modulate membrane properties and organization.
• Coupled interactions between condensates and membranes are vital for cellular processes.

Conclusions:

• Phase separation is fundamental to cellular organization, involving both bulk and membrane interfaces.
• The dynamic interplay between biomolecular condensates and membrane domains is crucial for cellular function and fitness.
• This review synthesizes current understanding and highlights key examples of these interactions.